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Check out the Bucks County area's top performers heading into high school football season

Some of the names we already know, and others we'll know shortly, as the high school football season kicks off in about a month (Aug. 25) across the Bucks/Montco area and the state.

Yes, the fun is about to begin again.

So, with that in mind, let's take a little refresher course and spotlight the top players in the area by position in alphabetical order heading into the fall.

Quarterbacks

Colin Baker, Neshaminy, senior

As a junior, he threw for over 1,100 yards in a rebuilding season.

Ganz Cooper, Central Bucks West, senior

In line to become the first quarterback in school history to start for four years, he's gone 20-12 as a starter and led the Bucks to the PIAA District One Class 6A title game last year.

Central Bucks West senior quarterback Ganz Cooper will be the first four-year starter at quarterback in school history.
Central Bucks West senior quarterback Ganz Cooper will be the first four-year starter at quarterback in school history.

Cole Meehan, Lansdale Catholic, senior

A two-year starter, he threw for over 1,500 yards with 15 scores last season. Earned first-team Philadelphia Catholic League Blue Division honors as a junior.

Vince Micucci, Quakertown, senior

He threw for over 1,600 yards with 17 scores last season. A dangerous scrambler, he's also one of the area's top punters.

Gavin Sidwar, La Salle High, sophomore

The rare freshman starter at La Salle, Sidwar threw for 650 yards and seven scores before an injury ended his season at the midway point. He's already received college offers from Maryland and Virginia Tech.

Have a look: High school football: Here's our Team of the Year and final team rankings

More: Ten burning high school football questions heading into 2023 season in Bucks County area

Running backs

Nathan Beighley, Pennsbury, senior

He ran for 678 yards and five touchdowns a year ago (averaging over 8 yards a carry) and also had a receiving touchdown. He'll be the Falcons' workhorse this season.

Sam Cooper, Conwell-Egan, senior

A terrific two-way player (defensive back/running back), he ran for over 1,500 yards last season and is receiving Division I-A attention.

Stevie Davis, La Salle High, senior

Only 5-foot-7, he packs the punch to run inside and has the speed to turn the corner. Also one of the area's top lacrosse players, he ran for 619 yards, including 238 in the opening win over North Penn, a year ago despite missing three games.

La Salle High senior Stevie Davis has the power to run inside and the speed to turn the corner.
La Salle High senior Stevie Davis has the power to run inside and the speed to turn the corner.

Travis Lavelah, Neshaminy, senior

He'll take over as the main back this season and will also play in the secondary, where he led the team in interceptions a year ago.

Chris Scruggs, North Penn, junior

He'll pair with senior Amir Major to give the Knights a serious one-two punch in the backfield.

Football players to watch: Our top 105 returning players for the 2023 season

Wide receivers/tight ends

Stephen Cosenza, William Tennent, senior

He caught 25 passes for 307 yards and three touchdowns a year ago. He also had 29 carries as a running back.

Jack Donnelly, Central Bucks East, senior

A first-team, all-state selection as a junior, he caught 36 passes for 571 yards a season ago. He also had 10 tackles for loss from his linebacker spot. Has committed to play at the University of Pennsylvania.

Danny Dyches, Souderton, senior

He uses his 6-4 frame effectively to go up and get the ball. He had 40 catches for 646 yards and five touchdowns a year ago.

Souderton senior Danny Dyches is a two-way standout for the Big Red.
Souderton senior Danny Dyches is a two-way standout for the Big Red.

Sincere Fairey, Conwell-Egan, junior

A two-way starter (tight end/defensive back) as a sophomore, he was a first-team Philadelphia Catholic League Blue Division pick on offense.

Jimmy Dolan, La Salle High, junior

He had 17 catches for 280 yards and four touchdowns a year ago and is expected to play a bigger role this season.

Conor McFadden, Central Bucks West, senior

He had over 1,000 all-purpose yards a year ago and is a threat at receiver and out of the backfield (along with returning punts and kicks). Also uses his blazing speed to excel in the secondary.

Check it out: High school football: Check out the Courier Times/Intelligencer all-area team

Offensive linemen

Mike Carroll, Central Bucks East, junior

A transfer from La Salle High, Carroll is a three-star recruit and one of the top junior offensive linemen in the state. A massive 6-6, 300 pounds, he's already received college offers from Penn State, South Carolina and Michigan State.

Joe Collins, Central Bucks East, senior

A two-year starter, the 295-pound Collins possesses superb quickness and has a nasty streak as his school-record 49 pancake blocks from a year ago will attest.

Lukas Donahue, La Salle High, senior

A 6-3, 300-pound mauler, he's a two-year starter receiving plenty of Division I-AA interest.

Central Bucks East's Joe Collins (top) and Central Bucks South's Collin Goetter (bottom) are two of the area's top linemen.
Central Bucks East's Joe Collins (top) and Central Bucks South's Collin Goetter (bottom) are two of the area's top linemen.

Collin Goetter, Central Bucks South, senior

A two-year starter, the 6-3, 285-pounder has committed to play at Monmouth University.

Hayden Mulligan, Central Bucks West, senior

A two-year, two-way starter, the 6-4, 275-pounder is receiving plenty of Division I-AA interest.

Rocco May, Pennsbury, junior

The 6-2, 290-pounder started all 11 games for the Falcons a year ago, a rarity for a sophomore at a school known for its offensive line prowess.

Defensive linemen

Kendell Cottrell, Bristol, senior

A two-year, two-way starter at running back and defensive end, he'll be asked to do plenty for the Warriors.

Cykear Davis, Morrisville, senior

A two-year, two-way starter, he'll be at left tackle on offense and either tackle or end on the defensive side.

Aiden Elliott, Souderton, senior

A two-year starter, the tackle had four sacks and 10 tackles for loss a year ago.

Cooper Lauersen, Conwell-Egan, senior

A two-year, two-way starter, the 6-6, 290-pounder is receiving plenty of big-time college attention.

Dan Voglesong, Central Bucks East, senior

The two-year starter led the Patriots with 90 tackles last season, including 12 tackles for loss.

Central Bucks West senior Jack Williams will again be a big part of the Bucks' defense.
Central Bucks West senior Jack Williams will again be a big part of the Bucks' defense.

Jack Williams, Central Bucks West, senior

A two-year, two-way starter at defensive end and tight end, he constantly draws double teams due to his disruptive ability on defense.

Linebackers

Raymond Holman, Morrisville, junior

A two-year starter, he led the Bulldogs in tackles a year ago. This season, he will add running back to his list of duties.

Frank Marchese, George School, senior

A two-year, two-way starter, he's led the Cougars in tackles the last two seasons and also plays running back.

Pennsbury's Ben Primich (bottom) makes a tackle during his sophomore season.
Pennsbury's Ben Primich (bottom) makes a tackle during his sophomore season.

Sean Moskowitz, Central Bucks South, senior

A two-year starter at middle linebacker, he was a first-team Suburban One League National Conference selection a year ago. Also plays fullback.

Gavin Pond, Conwell-Egan, senior

A two-year starter, he lead the Eagles in tackles a year ago and was a first-team Philadelphia Catholic League Blue Division selection last season.

Ben Primich, Pennsbury, senior

A noseguard a season ago and a first-team Suburban One League National Conference selection, he is being moved to linebacker this season.

Defensive backs

Jimmy Dolan, La Salle High, junior

Also a wide receiver (17 catches, four touchdowns a year ago), he will help anchor the third level of defense from his safety spot.

Danny Dyches, Souderton, senior

A standout wide receiver on offense, the safety uses his height (6-4) to help shut down opposing receivers. He had 62 tackles a year ago.

Kelby Hampton, La Salle High, junior

A two-year starter and a first-team Philadelphia Catholic League Red Division selection a year ago, he possesses exceptional speed and is a blanket cornerback.

Central Bucks West senior Cooper Taylor makes a tackle during a PIAA District One playoff game against Garnet Valley from last season.
Central Bucks West senior Cooper Taylor makes a tackle during a PIAA District One playoff game against Garnet Valley from last season.

Conor McFadden, Central Bucks West, senior

Known for his exploits on offense at the wide receiver spot, he has tremendous closing speed and instincts that enable him to break up pass plays seemingly at will.

Cooper Taylor, Central Bucks West, senior

A two-year starter, he was a first-team SOL National Conference selection a year ago. Also plays running back.

Placekickers/punters

Johnny Austerberry, Conwell-Egan, junior

A first-team Philadelphia Catholic League Blue Division selection a year ago, he has plenty of range for long field goal tries.

Matt Cleland, Central Bucks West, senior

Also a standout linebacker and receiver, he possesses a booming leg on punts that consistently pins opposing offenses deep in their own territory. He's also not afraid to take off on fake punts.

Ryan Clemens, Central Bucks West, junior

Also a wide receiver and defensive back, he possesses a reliable leg on field goals and extra points.

Jack Corrigan, Central Bucks East, senior

A first-team Suburban One League National Conference selection a year ago, he has more than enough leg to connect from 50 yards-plus.

Central Bucks West junior Ryan Clemens is a two-way performer for the Bucks and also handles the kicking chores.
Central Bucks West junior Ryan Clemens is a two-way performer for the Bucks and also handles the kicking chores.

Kaden Nicastro, Neshaminy, junior

Another in a long line of superb Neshaminy kickers, he combines accuracy with plenty of leg strength.

Rylan Zuk, Souderton, senior

After sharing the kicking duties with all-state performer Ty Quintois a year ago, the job will be all his season. He will also handle the punting.

Take a look: Three local players land spots on All-State football team for 2022 season

Drew Markol: dmarkol@theintell.com; @dmarkol

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: We take a look at the top players entering high school football season